Component 3 - Coursework | English Language for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Coursework Overview

Component 3 of the English Literature course entails the coursework portfolio. While Paper 1 is mandatory, for the remainder of the course, you have the option to either sit a Paper 2 exam or complete the IGCSE through a coursework portfolio.
In the following guide you will find: 

• An overview of Component 3
• A breakdown of Component 3
• What skills are being assessed

Component 3 overview

The coursework segment provides the flexibility and opportunity to enhance writing skills gradually (as opposed to within timed exam settings), select topics of personal relevance, and independently refine and amend work to ensure submission of the utmost quality.
You will undertake three written assignments, contributing to an overall portfolio worth 80 marks. Each assignment should span approximately 500-800 words and include:

• Assignment 1: Writing to discuss, argue or persuade in response to a text or texts
• Assignment 2: Writing to describe
• Assignment 3: Writing to narrate

The marks are broken down as follows:

• Total marks for writing = 65
• Total marks for reading = 15 (Assignment 1 only)

Your submissions may be handwritten or created using word processing software. The portfolio is required to contain the initial draft of one of the three assignments submitted. Additionally, the portfolio must incorporate the text(s) utilized for Assignment 1.

Component 3 breakdown

What skills are being assessed

This IGCSE features solely two assessment objectives, each accounting for 50% of the total grade. These objectives are further divided into sub-objectives. As the primary emphasis in the coursework portfolio is on writing, the table below begins with AO2:

Detailed guidance on addressing each question in this paper can be located within the provided revision manuals:

• Assignment 1: Writing to discuss, argue or persuade
• Assignment 2: Descriptive writing
• Assignment 3: Narrative writing